“I don't like the way he behaves”

José Mourinho, now head of Fenerbahçe, has launched a first dig at Victor Osimhen, the new star recruit of Galatasaray, his great rival in Turkey. If the Portuguese coach does not have a personal problem with the Nigerian striker, he has nevertheless expressed his annoyance at behavior that he considers inappropriate.

Just a few weeks after Victor Osimhen's arrival at Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe coach José Mourinho has already found cause to criticise the Nigerian striker. Although the Portuguese coach recognises the former Napoli player's immense talent, he took advantage of an interview to express reservations about certain aspects of the striker's game. The object of his discontent? Osimhen's frequent diving, a behaviour that Mourinho considers unacceptable.

Victor Osimhen, after being one of the main attractions of the summer transfer window, has finally joined Galatasaray, on loan from Napoli, his club since 2020. His transfer caused a stir in Turkey, where the arrival of such an international star has raised great hopes among the supporters of the Istanbul club. Osimhen, who had a phenomenal season with Napoli, had attracted the attention of the biggest European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, but it was Galatasaray who were able to seal the deal.

For Mourinho, who took over Fenerbahçe this summer, this arrival represents a real sporting challenge, as Galatasaray are the great rivals of the club he now manages. However, beyond the sporting rivalry, Mourinho did not hide his admiration for the intrinsic qualities of the Nigerian striker, while pointing out an aspect of his behavior on the field.

In an interview with HT Spor, Mourinho was blunt and pointed out the Super Eagles forward's harmful behavior every time he faced him in Serie A. “I have no problem with Victor. In fact, we have a very good relationship. But every time I play against him, I talk to him because I don't like the way he behaves. He dives too much.” first dropped the Special One.

The Portuguese coach, known for his frankness, has never been one to mince his words, and this remark is in line with his usual style. Mourinho, who crossed paths with Osimhen several times in Serie A when he was coaching AS Roma, seems concerned by the forward's habit of collapsing easily at the slightest contact, a behavior deemed counterproductive by the Special One.

This criticism of Mourinho is not insignificant, as it comes at a key moment for Osimhen, who must quickly integrate into his new team and prove that he can be the star expected of the Turkish league. Galatasaray are counting on him to win the title this season, and every detail of his game will be closely scrutinized.

Jose Mourinho did not hesitate to place Osimhen in the context of African football. He also claimed that he is one of the two best African players at the moment, alongside Mohamed Salah. A flattering statement, but one that comes with a warning. For Mourinho, Osimhen must eliminate this tendency to dive if he wants to join the greatest legends of African football. “In the past, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, George Weah, you can't behave like that,” Mourinho said.

This comparison with Drogba, Eto'o and Weah is particularly significant. Mourinho worked closely with Didier Drogba during his years at Chelsea and therefore knows very well what he expects from a complete striker. Drogba, Eto'o and Weah are names synonymous with power, resilience and leadership on the pitch, qualities that Mourinho seems to think Osimhen can still fully develop.

For Victor Osimhen, this public criticism undoubtedly represents a personal challenge. The Nigerian striker is still young, but he has already shown incredible maturity in his game, especially during his time at Naples. His efficiency in front of goal is no longer in doubt, but the question of behavior on the field could become a recurring topic if he does not manage to change this aspect of his style of play.

Players of Osimhen's calibre are often subject to very high expectations. His ability to rise to the level of African legends such as Drogba, Eto'o or Weah will depend on his ability to evolve on and off the pitch. The Turkish league could offer him the opportunity to correct these details, under the watchful eye of Mourinho and the other great figures of European football.